Things to Do this Winter in Toronto & GTA

Photo Credit: Still The Oldie Flickr

Here is the “to do” list of activities in Toronto and GTA this winter including winter activities, festivals, exhibitions, sports and related activities, concerts and live theatre.

I. Outdoor Winter Activities

• Discover Toronto’s National Park this winter. Join in on a guided walk to discover nature and winter wildlife with Parks Canada.

• Visit Tommy Thompson Park to learn about what Toronto’s urban wildlife is up to this time of year during Family Nature Walk. Visit your nearest conservation area for a walk in the woods or to spot winter wildlife.

• When there is snow on the ground, dig out your magic carpet,  flying saucer or the old-school wooden toboggan and hit the tobogganing hill near by and enjoy a ride down.

• Want a bit more excitement? Go snow tubing!

• If skiing and snowboarding is your thing, there are eleven ski areas in GTA and two within Toronto city limits.

• Explore the winter landscape of neighbouring Parks and Conservation Areas through snow shoeing. Halton Hills Conservation has guided snowshoe hikes for family and moonlight snowshoe events.

• Hit the trails for cross-country skiing — a great way to stay active this winter while enjoying the outdoors. Albion Hills Conservation Area of Caledon provides 26 kilometres of groomed and track-set trails suited to beginner, intermediate and expert level skiers. Halton Conservation areas of Crawford Lake (Milton), Hilton Falls, Mountsberg offers cross-country ski trails through woods and fields.

• If you want to burn all that fat accumulated during the holidays, try Fat biking! Get out for a guided ride every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm – 3pm with the experts at Evergreen Brick Works and explore Don Valley  trails.  Fat Biking is also allowed at Black Trail at Albion Hills Conservation Area. Rentals are available at both places.

• Lace up and hit an outdoor ice rink: Toronto and GTA has some great skating trails.

• Go on a day trip to see frozen waterfalls near Toronto.

Winter Scenery. Photo Credit: Sam Javanrouh

Runs & Walks

• Resolution Run® and Walk: Start the New Year off on the right foot by establishing or maintaining an active lifestyle: December 31, 2016 & January 1, 2017 @ Various locations

• MEC Toronto Race ONE: 5/10K The Winter Run 2017 : Sunday, January 22, 2017 | 08:00 am to 12:00 pm @ Martin Goodman Trail at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #344, Toronto

• Chilly Half Marathon & CIBC Wood Gundy Frosty 5K: Sunday, March 5, 2017 | 10:05 AM @ Burlington

• Annual Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk:  Sunday, March 12, 2017 @ Steam Whistle Brewing, The Roundhouse, Downtown Toronto

II. Winter Festivals

There’s so much going on in Toronto every weekend and winter season is no exception!!

III. Indoor Activities

Are you the one that countdowns to summer every time the first sign of winter hits Toronto? Then, here is a list of indoor attractions and indoor amusement parks in Toronto to keep those winter blues away till the barbecue season is back!

1. Sports

Speaking of indoor activities, go cheer Toronto’s sports teams at the stadium!

Ice Hockey: Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies, Mississauga Steelheads

Lacrosse: Toronto Rock

Basket Ball: Toronto Raptors, Raptors 905

10 Upcoming Games

2. Exhibitions

• Go on a journey through Europe, Scandinavia and North America, through Mystical Landscapes, the exhibition that showcases Masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh and explores mystical experiences of 37 artists from 14 countries, including Emily Carr, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Georgia O’Keeffe and James McNeill Whistler at Art Gallery of Ontario.
  
  
  
  

• Immerse yourself in a spectacular exhibition exploring colour, light, and form by one of the world’s foremost artists working in glass today: Chihuly  on until January 8, 2017 or see two remarkable and relevant film installations by acclaimed British contemporary artist Isaac Julien from January 21 – April 23, 2017 at Royal Ontario Museum.

• Explore world’s largest display of Rowland Emett’s whimsical mechanical inventions, delve into severe weather science, discover cutting edge technology and investigate the stories of scientists, forecasters and wild weather enthusiasts at the Wild Weather Exhibition on until January 8, 2017 or learn about the different types of renewable and non-renewable sources of energy, and deepen your understanding of its generation, transmission and storage at the energy Show at  Ontario Science Centre.

• See the Toronto Maple Leafs Centennial Exhibit that  pays homage to those who have worn the blue and white as well as highlights some of the most iconic moments in franchise history. Artifacts on display include Bill Barilko’s Stanley Cup-winning OT puck, the stick used by Tim Horton during game seven of the 1964 Stanley Cup final, Mats Sundin’s jersey from the final game at Maple Leaf Gardens, plus many more unique treasures. On  until March 6, 2017 at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

• See the latest in Boats at Toronto International Boat Show from January 20 to 29, 2017 at Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

• National Bridal Show features the latest in wedding registries, fashion accessories, favours, flowers, cakes, DJ’s transportation, and all the things that go into making every wedding unique and special at  February 03 to 05, 2017 @ Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

• From the open road, to the track and to the trail, see the newest models from the big names, plus the latest in apparel, accessories and touring destinations – all under one roof at The Motorcycle Show on February 17 to 19, 2017 @ Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

• Find out the secrets and tips on how to have a successful summer on the water  at The Spring Fishing & Boat Show from February 17 to 20, 2017 at The International Centre, Mississauga.

• See the original works from over 250 carefully juried, independent contemporary artists at The Artist Project at Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto from from February 23 to  26, 2017.

• Plan your next adventure travel and see over 300 exhibitors  offering the latest camping gear, paddle sports, outdoor clothing, scuba diving at the Outdoor Adventure Show  from February 24 – 26, 2017 at The International Centre, Mississauga.

• OR plan you golfing trip at Toronto Golf & Travel Show from February 24 to 26, 2017 at The International Centre, Mississauga.

• Learn about the RV & Camping Lifestyle at  Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show from  March 2 to 5, 2017 at The International Centre, Mississauga.

• Check out the latest in interior design, architecture and gardening at the National Home Show &  Canada Blooms March 10, – 19, 2017 @ Enercare Centre

• Meet your favourite super hero at Toronto ComicCon from March 17 to 19, 2017 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

III. Live Concerts in Winter

The Monkey Bunch Family Series

The Monkey Bunch is for people who love music and want their kids to love it too. Children love to ... Read More

DevilDriver

Artists: DevilDriver, Death Angel, Winds Of Plague, The Agonist, Azrael Since they formed in 2002, DevilDriver have enjoyed a slow, steady ... Read More

August Burns Red Messengers 10 Year Anniversary Tour

Advance tickets also available at Rotate This & Soundscapes August Burns Red will be playing their album “Messengers” from start ... Read More

The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble’s B’ Free Concert and Trouble

Caliban Arts Theatre and Trane Live Events are proud to present The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble from Chicago with Kahil El’Zabar ... Read More

Wavelength Music Festival

Wavelength cuts through the deep freeze to bring you out of hibernation, straight to the 17th annual Wavelength Music Festival ... Read More

Tove Lo: Lady Wood Tour

Tove Lo vividly recalls her first heartbreak. His name was Erik, and he was breathtaking. “I fell in love with ... Read More

Big Wreck

Big Wreck with Ascot Royals Big Wreck is: Ian Thornley – vocals/guitar Brian Doherty – guitars Paulo Neta – guitars ... Read More

Winterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival

Winterfolk is an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event, where you’ll find the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and ... Read More

Disney-Pixar Ratatouille in Concert

One of Disney and Pixar’s most enchanting animated fables tells the hilarious story of a rodent’s quest to become a ... Read More

Japandroids

Artists: Japandroids, Craig Finn & the Uptown Controllers Japandroids is a two piece band from Vancouver, BC. This 'band' started in ... Read More

Colin James

Critically acclaimed, JUNO Award winning singer-songwriter Colin James has announced cross Canada tour dates in support of his new album ... Read More

Sonreal

Aaron Hoffman, better known by his stage name SonReal, is a Vancouver-based Canadian hip hop and alternative artist. Who is ... Read More

TSYO Winter Concert

The TSYO explores Shakespearean romance and tragedy this winter as Earl Lee conducts the Youth Orchestra's outstanding musicians through two ... Read More

Pain Of Salvation

Pain of Salvation is a Swedish progressive rock band headed by Daniel Gildenlöw; the band's lyricist, chief composer, guitarist, and ... Read More

Mohsen Namjoo

Dubbed "the Bob Dylan of Iran" by The New York Times, singer-songwriter Mohsen Namjoo is a true musical rebel in ... Read More

“Rising Stars”, Springboard To Music Fundraiser Concert

On Saturday February 25 at 7:30pm "Springboard To Music" presents "Rising Stars", featuring 6 of the top students, all under ... Read More

Tribute to the Legends of Reggae

With Ken Boothe, Exco Levi and High Priest, Nana McLean, Chester Miller, Mr Cooper, Hard Core Band, Joshua Lucas ... Read More

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings

Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson all had successful solo careers in 1996, when they gathered to record a ... Read More

Skydiggers

Massey Hall presents Long-running JUNO Award-winning alt-country group Skydiggers, well known for having crafted a catalogue full of acclaimed original ... Read More

Wolfe Island “Winter Ball” Music Festival

Fundraiser for The Wolfe Island Music Festival Hosted by Jason Collettt An All Star Line up of Past and Future ... Read More

Billy Talent: Afraid Of Heights Tour

Billy Talent: Afraid Of Heights Tour with Monster Truck & The Dirty Nil Who is it for? All ages HOW ... Read More

We the Kings

We The Kings - 10 Year Anniversary Tour Who is it for? All ages HOW MUCH Tickets : $25 + ... Read More

Eric Church – Holdin’ My Own Tour

Eric Church is back on tour! His North American 60+ city run, the aptly titled Holdin’ My Own Tour, will ... Read More

Sinfonia Toronto

CANADIAN VIRTUOSITY, FRENCH PASSION AND NORDIC TREATS Sinfonia Toronto’s concert will feature the brilliant Montréal cellist performing Saint-Saens’ popular Cello ... Read More

Tanya Tagaq

This program ranges from an imposing work for piano and orchestra by Jörg Widmann to the World Premières of works ... Read More

New Creations Festival

Bold. Experimental. Unmissable. Canadian composer Owen Pallett joins TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian to curate the 13th annual New Creations ... Read More

Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience

Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience Featuring Ramin Djawadi Enter the world of Westeros with the Game of Thrones® Live ... Read More

Mongolian Ethnic Balled Group Khusugtun’s Canada Tour

Khusugtun ethnic band is an internationally recognized band that performs traditional music from Mongolia. The only one who are dual ... Read More

Orchestra Toronto – France

Orchestra Toronto's very own principal cellist Tom Mueller will perform Camille Saint Saens' Cello Concerto No 1 in A minor ... Read More

Amaranthe

Artists: Amaranthe, Failure Anthem, Citizen Zero, Cypher 16, Smash Into Pieces Amaranthe is a Swedish/Danish power/melodic death metal band that originates ... Read More

Sting 57th & 9th Tour

Sting 57th & 9th Tour Following the recent release of Sting’s highly anticipated rock/pop album 57th & 9th, Cherrytree Management ... Read More

Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Tour

Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Tour The Dangerous Woman Tour is the upcoming third concert tour by American singer Ariana Grande, ... Read More

Greg Graffin

My musical roots go back decades. It’s interesting when I take a long view of them. Like a huge tree ... Read More

Ro James

Ro James Who is it for? General Admission / 19+ HOW MUCH Tickets (incl. HST) $20.00 (plus FMF and service ... Read More

David Geringas, Cello

Artists: David Geringas, Cello, Vadim Serebryany, Piano, Barry Shiffman, Violin David Geringas is one of the world’s most celebrated cellists, known ... Read More

Mother Mother: No Culture Tour

Mother Mother #NoCultureTour with very special guests K.Flay The tour will see Mother Mother hitting twenty-five cities and travelling from ... Read More

Matthew Good

Matthew Good Beautiful Midnight Revisited I Miss New Wave Tour With guest Craig Stickland Warner Music recording artist Matthew Good ... Read More

Art Songs: Shevchenko and Shakespeare

The Ukrainian Art Song Project presents Art Songs: Shevchenko and Shakespeare, featuring British-Ukrainian, Bass-Baritone Pavlo Hunka, accompanied by Albert Krywolt ... Read More

Simple Plan

Simple Plan -French-Canadian pop punk band from Montreal, Quebec. Pierre Bouvier - vocals Chuck Comeau - drums, backing vocals David ... Read More

Bring Me The Horizon – The American Nightmare Tour

British rock band BRING ME THE HORIZON has announced "The American Nightmare Tour", hitting North America this spring with very ... Read More

Passenger with The Paper Kites

Passenger with The Paper Kites With his new album Young As The Morning Old As The Sea set for release ... Read More

Wilco

Wilco Formed in 1994 out of the ashes of beloved alt-country band Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, who the Wall Street Journal ... Read More

Voices of Spring

Third concert of the 2016-17 Heliconian Club Concert Series. Enjoy Vivaldis Spring" performed by Jin Lee Youn, violin and Louise ... Read More

Quintile

Caution Tape Sound Collective is excited to announce our second concert of the 2016-2017 season! Join us for five world ... Read More

TO.U Collective presents pianist Stephen Clarke

Toronto's newest contemporary music collective presents two works by Romanian composer Horatiu Radulescu (1942-2008), the "proto-spectralist" performed by pianist Stephen ... Read More

SHINee World V

"SHINee World V" will be coming to Canada this March! It will be SHINee's first time performing their FULL concert ... Read More

Beethoven Symphony 6

Kati Agócs: Sesquie for Canada 150 Maestro Hannu Lintu interprets Beethoven’s glorious “Pastoral” symphony, a leisurely stroll through the countryside ... Read More

Fish Leong – World Tour 2017

Having done more than 60 successful shows worldwide, Fish Leong tu t’appelles l’amour world tour will be stopping by Toronto ... Read More

Cold War Kids

Artists: Cold War Kids, Middle Kids Formed in Fullerton in 2004, Cold War Kids have released 5 records, 6 EP’s and ... Read More

Latent Lounge

Artists: Lee Harvey Osmond, Cowboy Junkies, Jerry Leger, Skydiggers, Thompson Wilson, HarpAcash & the Morals, Ivy Mairi, cover sets by artists ... Read More

Franco De Vita – Tour Libre

Franco De Vita - Tour Libre 2017 De Vita will present a wide repertoire of his greatest hits and will ... Read More

Tafelmusik presents THE BAROQUE DIVA

One of the world’s great interpreters of Handel, and long-time Tafelmusik collaborator, Karina Gauvin joins us for this concert showcasing ... Read More

Bebe Rexha

Support: Daniel Skye Singer/songwriter Bebe Rexha has accumulated over 10 million overall single sales, 1 billion Spotify streams, 1.3 billion ... Read More

Bastille: Wild, Wild World Tour

Bastille: Wild, Wild World Tour Bastille announced the release date for Wild World, the anticipated follow-up to their smash 2013 debut ... Read More

Show Choir

Vanier College Productions' Show Choir performs its annual concert, with a mixture of Broadway showtunes and Top 40 hits! ... Read More

Tom Cochrane’s Mad Mad World Tour With Red Rider

TOM COCHRANE CELEBRATES MAD MAD WORLD 25TH ANNIVERSARY! CROSS-CANADA TOUR ANNOUNCED FOR 2017 WITH SPECIAL GUEST MEGHAN PATRICK It’s been ... Read More

How the Gimquat Found Her Song

This enduring children’s classic, performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Canada's renowned Platypus Theatre, tells the story of a ... Read More

A Great Big World

Artists: A Great Big World The magical journey of A Great Big World – Ian Axel and Chad King – began ... Read More

Return For Refund

Rock concert for the Toronto-based band Return For Refund. The band is known for their dynamic, powerhouse performances. Also featuring ... Read More

M. Ward

Advance tickets also available at Rotate This & Soundscapes ... Read More

Nouvelle Vague

Artists: Nouvelle Vague, With Special Guests, Liset Alea Bossa Nova = Nouvelle Vague = New Wave. This transliteration was the starting ... Read More

IV. Performing Arts & Theatre in Winter

Performing Arts in Toronto & GTA

The Winter’s Tale & Measure for Measure

Groundling Theatre is thrilled to announce the remount of our sold-out show of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale along with a new ... Read More

The Audience

THE AUDIENCE takes theatregoers behind the walls of Buckingham Palace and into the private chambers of Queen Elizabeth II as ... Read More

How Black Mothers Say I Love You by Trey Anthony

Factory is proud to present the return engagement of Trey Anthony’s and Girls in Bow Ties Production of HOW BLACK ... Read More

Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts

The Coal Mine presents the Toronto premiere of Superior Donuts by renowned American playwright Tracy Letts. Superior Donuts takes place ... Read More

James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach Words and Music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Book by Timothy Allen McDonald Based ... Read More

Spring Mainstage Revue

It's that time of year where we make it up as we go along! This February, our legendary comedy ensemble ... Read More

Kim’s Convenience

Soulpepper Academy alumnus Ins Choi's hilarious and touching play set in a Regent Park Korean convenience store has been winning ... Read More

Mary Poppins

Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure! One of the most popular Disney movies ... Read More

Dandelions in the Wind

Dandelions in the Wind - a musical based on the interracial love story of the playwright, Jennifer Dance Bowen, set ... Read More

The Bodyguard

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each ... Read More

Hooking Up With The Second City

The Second City knows a little bit about heating things up — we’ve been looking at and laughing about relationships ... Read More

Cabaret

As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present SAM ... Read More

Peace River Country

by Maria Milisavljevic directed by Richard Rose Inspired by the real-life story of Reverend Weibo Ludwig and his decades-long battle ... Read More

THE BIG ‘WHAT NOW?’ presented by Everything But the Kitchens Inc.

Sandra Shamas, writer and performer, is marking her 30th anniversary with her seventh show in the series of her life, ... Read More

Amy Schumer Live

Amy Schumer will be embarking on a 50+ city world tour. Amy is the first female stand-up comedian to sell ... Read More

John & Waleed

John & Waleed is the true story of two men, one from Kitchener in Southern Ontario and one from Khartoum ... Read More

Jerry Seinfeld

Just For Laughs and JS Touring are thrilled to announce that America’s premier comedian Jerry Seinfeld will return to Toronto ... Read More

Breath In Between

A surreal love story about Roger, the murderer of two willing victims who respond to his ad on a webpage, ... Read More

The Elephant Girls, Wilde Festival

Clever, organized, devious & daring; they stole from the rich and gave to themselves. A fascinating piece of lost womens ... Read More

Of Human Bondage

Soulpepper’s acclaimed production returns! Of Human Bondage is an epic tale of obsession, lust, and the pursuit of beauty, commissioned ... Read More

Sousatzka

Multiple Tony® Award winning producer Garth Drabinsky's World Premiere production of SOUSATZKA is a new musical based on the original ... Read More

Shen Yun

IN ANCIENT TIMES, China was known as the Land of the Divine. Everyone, from emperors to the common people, believed ... Read More

The Millennial Malcontent

by Erin Shields directed by Peter Hinton Moxy is married and seething, fed up with the constraints of domesticity, and ... Read More

Stupid F**king Bird

STUPID F**KING BIRD by Aaron Posner sort of adapted from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov. Posner’s widely critically acclaimed work ... Read More

The Book of Mormon

The New York Times calls it "the best musical of this century." The Washington Post says, "It is the kind ... Read More

The 12th Annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

The 12th Annual TOsketchfest will feature a large and diverse variety of shows in their Festival Series including the singin' ... Read More

Cirque Eloize: Cirkopolis

A Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Canadian Stage Co-Presentation With Cirkopolis, Cirque Éloize presents a show that combines ... Read More

Speaking in Tongues by Andrew Bovell

A police investigation leads to an uncomfortable and unexpected conclusion in this psychological drama. When a woman disappears, four marriages ... Read More

His Girl Friday

A 1940s screwball comedy about a pair of divorced reporters forced to work together again to cover the scoop of ... Read More

One Little Goat Theatre Company presents SMYTH / WILLIAMS

“Toronto's enterprising One Little Goat Theatre Company” (New York Times) presents the world premiere of SMYTH / WILLIAMS, an unconventional ... Read More

Shaping Sound

Through his Emmy Award winning work on "So You Think You Can Dance", Travis Wall has established himself as one ... Read More

Blood Weddings

A family vendetta comes to a boil when a bride-to-be runs away with the son of the enemy. This 20th ... Read More

Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic

Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic, the most elaborate shadow puppet play ever performed is coming to Toronto! Feathers of ... Read More

Tartuffe

It is 1699 in Paris and Tartuffe, claiming to be a religious man, is living as a guest in the ... Read More

The Wise Man

A hard working peasant embarks on a pilgrimage to meet God and beg Him for a better life. In the ... Read More

Tirgan presents…Indigenous Music & Dance

Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone will sing a beautiful mix of traditional hand drum songs and her own original songs from her ... Read More

BYOB “Bring Your Own Beat” – Canada’s Largest Dance Competition

Featuring the Best College, University and Company Urban Dance Teams in Canada. BYOB "Bring Your Own Beat" is the premier ... Read More

Pinocchio

What began as an Italian children’s novel in 1883 has been made over the years into musicals, operas, animated films ... Read More

Mrs Henderson Presents

Direct from London’s West End comes the new hit musical MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS. It’s London, 1937, and recently widowed eccentric, ... Read More

Everything Is Great Again

Trump is in the White House and O'Leary is on the rise. Are we reaching the era of peak a$$hole? ... Read More

Jacinto

Jacinto is a contemporary flamenco performance that evokes a man, his daughter, and the scars they both carry. A woman ... Read More

The Orange Dot

Sean Dixon's unsettling comedy is in the vein of Becket’s Waiting for Godot and Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter, THE ORANGE ... Read More

Stupidhead! A Musical Comedy

Written & Performed by | Katherine Cullen and Britta Johnson Stupidhead! is about the glamour of failure and the celebration ... Read More

Evita

In this stunning musical, Eva Duarte rises from poverty to marry Juan Peron and become the 1st Lady of Argentina.  Eva ... Read More

Rhythm of the Dance

This St. Patrick’s Day, join the National Dance Company of Ireland to celebrate its history, music and dance of their ... Read More

Improv All-Stars: SAINT PATRICK’S DAY EDITION

Join us for a special ONE NIGHT ONLY presentation! Before heading to the parade on Sunday, we're warming things up ... Read More

Kobzari – Shumka & The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus

In a historic first, two of North America’s premier Ukrainian performing arts ensembles present an evening of song, music, dance ... Read More